Mesa’s Silverball Sunday: Retro Machines, Atomic Age Action

The heat wasn’t just in the air for Silverball Sunday on September 15, 2024. With temperatures reaching a sizzling 99°F under a clear Arizona sky, the competition inside Atomic Age Modern was equally scorching. Players braved the heat to battle through five rounds of intense pinball action at this popular Mesa location, with organizer Mark Farina Jr ensuring a smooth and exciting evening. Over the course of two hours, the competition boiled down to some truly nail-biting moments as 12 competitors faced off on some of the most thrilling machines in the state.

Atomic Age Modern: The Ultimate Retro Pinball Experience

Tucked into downtown Mesa, Atomic Age Modern isn’t your typical pinball location—it’s a slice of retro heaven. Located at 140 W Main, this shop is a vintage treasure trove, with everything from mid-century modern furniture to eclectic home decor. But for pinball fans, it’s the immaculate rows of classic machines that steals the show. Known for its friendly, knowledgeable owners who take impeccable care of the games, Atomic Age Modern hosts regular tournaments on weekend evenings, offering up not just high-quality machines but an atmosphere that feels both nostalgic and vibrant. Whether you’re here to play or to browse, this spot is a must-see for anyone in the Mesa area.

Evel Knievel Steals the Spotlight in Round 4

The standout moment of the night came in Round 4, where competitors clashed on Bally’s Evel Knievel, a 1977 classic that brings the daredevil spirit to life. With its spinner and bonus multiplier feature, players had to keep their nerves steady as they gunned for high scores.

It was Thomas Matthews who pulled off a first-place finish, unranked but not unnoticed, as he handled the table with precision. Meanwhile, Bob Kennedy, Mesa’s 25th-ranked player, came in a strong second, showing why he’s among the top players in the area. Despite his solid performance, the pressure from unranked players like Thomas kept him from clinching the top spot. Dave Halley and Krisha Shufran put up good fights but couldn’t quite hit the marks to break past third and fourth, respectively.

A Retro Lineup Worth the Hype: Pinball Machines at Silverball Sunday

The Silverball Sunday tournament didn’t just showcase incredible player skills—it was also a testament to the diversity and quality of the pinball machines themselves. Atomic Age Modern delivered a stellar lineup of games, offering a mix of beloved classics and the latest releases that kept everyone on their toes. Whether players were battling through fast-paced modern machines or grappling with the more strategic vintage tables, there was something for every type of player. Here’s a dive into some of the standout machines that defined the competition:

Foo Fighters (Premium/LE) by Stern (2023)

Stern’s Foo Fighters brings the rock-and-roll energy of the band to life with one of the most dynamic playfields in recent memory. This game is loaded with unique features, such as the UFO multiball that ties into the band’s wild sci-fi narrative. The loop shots are smooth, and the ball flow feels almost rhythmic, a fitting tribute to the band’s musical roots. With its high-energy soundtrack and animations, Foo Fighters is both a sensory and strategic challenge, keeping players hooked with its mix of skill shots and frenetic multiball action. Players at the tournament had to master its chaotic mode-switching to stay on top of the game.

Flight 2000 by Stern Electronics (1980)

A true classic, Flight 2000 remains a fan favorite for players who appreciate a slower, more strategic game. Released in 1980, this space-themed machine challenges players with its iconic ball lock feature, requiring them to lock three balls to activate multiball. The sound design—a mix of early digital effects and space-age melodies—sets the tone, creating an atmosphere of cosmic adventure. The long shots and more measured pace make it a game of precision, and during the tournament, it rewarded those who stayed calm under pressure. With its classic design and engaging gameplay, Flight 2000 continues to capture the hearts of pinball purists.

JAWS (Pro) by Stern (2024)

JAWS (Pro), released earlier this year, brings the iconic shark attack to pinball with all the tension of Spielberg’s blockbuster. Featuring an innovative shark ramp and a series of high-risk shots that mimic the danger of the open ocean, this game is fast becoming a modern favorite. Players face unique challenges with the “Shark Attack Multiball,” which triggers when certain shots are completed, upping the ante in a big way. The tournament saw more than a few close calls on this table, as the shark’s unpredictability and tricky shot angles kept everyone on edge. One wrong move, and you’d find yourself metaphorically “in the water.”

John Wick (Pro) by Stern (2024)

Released earlier this year, John Wick (Pro) channels the intensity of the movie franchise into a high-speed, action-packed machine. The game features contract modes, each representing different enemies or objectives John must tackle, and players must complete the contracts to advance through the game. Its multiball modes replicate the relentless combat of the films, where split-second reflexes and precision are key. Players in the tournament had to navigate the rapid-fire shots and maintain accuracy while under pressure, as missed shots can drain balls quickly. The skill ceiling is high on this one, and it was clear that only the most focused competitors could survive the fight.

Godzilla (Pro) by Stern (2021)

As one of Stern’s most critically acclaimed games in recent years, Godzilla (Pro) continues to dominate tournament play. The sheer scale of the game, with its massive Godzilla figure looming over the playfield, creates an imposing atmosphere. Featuring smooth ramps and a wealth of multiball modes, Godzilla challenges players to unleash chaos across the city-scape playfield. One of the standout features is the “Building Destruction” mechanism, where shots to specific targets cause buildings to collapse, triggering special bonuses. In the heat of the Silverball Sunday competition, players had to balance destruction with strategic play, aiming for those key shots while managing the chaotic multiball sequences that can either make or break a score.

Gilligan’s Island by Bally (1991)

Released during the height of Bally’s pinball dominance, Gilligan’s Island offers a quirky, TV-show-inspired journey that’s all about resource management and navigating island hazards. The main objective? Collect pieces of the map to escape the island, triggering jackpots and bonuses along the way. Players must carefully time their shots to unlock key features, like the Jungle Run or the Volcano Eruption, which offer huge scoring opportunities. Gilligan’s Island isn’t the fastest game, but it rewards calculated, precise play, and during the tournament, those who could resist the urge to rush their shots found themselves racking up solid scores.

Tournament Winners: Victory in the Final Game

The final game on Bally’s Strikes and Spares had all the drama you could ask for in a tournament. The game’s bowling theme added a layer of fun, with the “bonus ball” feature playing a crucial role in the last moments. In the end, it was Mark Farina Jr who took home the trophy, holding his nerve and knocking down a string of high scores. Mark, ranked 135th in the state, faced tough competition from higher-ranked players but ultimately emerged victorious with cool composure.

1. Mark Farina Jr – From Gilbert, Arizona, he may be ranked 135th, but tonight, Mark played like a champion, beating out tougher-ranked competitors with ease.
2. Dave Halley – Consistency paid off for Dave, finishing second. His 40th state ranking was evident in his steady play, although the win just slipped away in the final game.
3. Bob Kennedy – Representing Mesa, Bob’s local knowledge and 25th state ranking made him a strong contender, but the heat of the competition held him to third place.
4. Thomas Matthews – An unranked player, Thomas made a name for himself tonight with an impressive showing. His performance in Round 4 was nothing short of spectacular.

Arizona IFPA Pinball Top 10 Standings

Looking Forward

With another thrilling tournament in the books, we give a special shoutout to Mark Farina Jr for hosting another seamless event at Atomic Age Modern. The shop’s vintage charm and top-tier machines created the perfect atmosphere for Silverball Sunday. And congratulations to Thomas Matthews, the unranked player who left his mark on the tournament—here’s hoping we see more from him in the future.

Stay tuned to Silverball Sunday at SilverballSunday.com for updates on future tournaments and events!